I have four words for those who work in any managerial capacity at your non-profit: INVEST. IN. YOUR. PEOPLE.
Seriously, do it!
Like it or not, times are changing. With continual advancements in technology and regular developments within every non-profit department, it’s worth it to shell out some money to stay on top of these moves and guarantee your staff is up to speed with what’s going on.
I remember I once went to an all-day training on Hoarding & Cluttering; pre-TLC’s hit show when most of us had no idea that hoarding is a complex psychological issue that requires a lot of patience and sensitivity. At the time I was working for a property management company and we had a few tenants in our housing complex who suffered from hoarding. The training enabled me to understand what residents with hoarding problems go through and how to properly deal with them when safety in their unit becomes a concern. I left the workshop feeling like I learnt a lot and could better communicate with the tenants who were hoarders. I also appreciated that my Employer took the time to pay for me to go to this valuable seminar and help me do my job better.
Over the years, like the Hoarding & Cluttering workshop, I’ve had the chance to attend other equally beneficial trainings. Some former bosses have embraced training opportunities and welcomed the request for professional growth. Other times, I’ve seen Employers become penny pinchers fearing the return is not strong enough and have rejected requests to attend workshops.
If you fit in the latter, I strongly urge you to reconsider and part with the company money so your team can learn and develop their trade, which will without a doubt help the organization overall. It also gives your non-profit that competitive edge which is so immensely important in today’s environment.
Also don’t forget to invest in yourself too! If you can attend a workshop or two in the process, it never hurts.
What trainings have you found to be the most helpful in enhancing your workplace development?
By Swetha Gupta
Director of Projects, Fundraising & Strategic Planning
Smile Liberia
Email: sgupta@smileliberia.org
Website: www.smileliberia.org
